Δευτέρα 21 Μαρτίου 2016

PRELIMINARY REPORT ON REFUGEE CAMPS - "PLEIADES" HELLENIC ACTION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS








Refugee Camps


in Northern Greece
A Brief Report on Living Conditions
Based on information available on March 21, 2016

















Table of Contents

1            General

1.1      Introduction

The document contains a brief report on the living conditions in the refugee camps in Northern Greece.

1.2      Terminology

Term
Description
Remarks
Rub hall
The term rub hall is used generically to describe a particularly large, relocatable tent-like structure.
Also referred to as Rubb hall.

1.3      References

Ref.
Document
Document location
[1]      
Practical Guide to the Systematic Use of Standards & Indicators in UNHCR Operations
http://www.unhcr.org/40eaa9804.pdf
[2]      
Letter by Vitsa Dimitrios, Deputy Minister of Defense, in response to a letter by Nicholas Kalantzi, Mayor of the Municipality of Ziros (date unknown – estimated early March 2016, according to date of sources)
http://www.atpreveza.gr/index.php/news/koinonia/item/18369-filippiuada-opos-sxisto-diavata-nea-kavala.html

1.4      Disclaimer

Unless otherwise specified, the document reports information available on March 21, 2016.
Due to rapidly changing circumstances, the absence of official data and inconsistencies identified across a multiplicity of (unofficial) sources, data accuracy and completeness may not be guaranteed. However, all information is reported to the best knowledge of the author, given in good faith, and selected across sources (including onsite witnesses) and media deemed reliable.

2            Camps

2.1      General – Safety and Protection

The following issues are highlighted as critical,
·         Riots were reported in Idomeni. The living conditions and the unavailability of clear information are deemed to exacerbate the tension across the various ethnic groups at the camp.
·         Children live in an unsuitable and hazardous environment, exposed to diseases and infections as well as potential abuses.
·         Fires spread in more than one camp. Their nature was not always identified.
·         There are no interpreters and people often communicate with volunteers and the military through sign language. Furthermore, according to the UNHCR's Voulgaris, mismatched birth dates, along with variations in the spellings of Arabic names, have often caused delays and issues with official processes.
·         Doctors are insufficient and the risk of infections spreading is reported high in all the camps.
·         Babies are reported born without assistance. In Elliniko camp (Attika region) a baby died of birth complications because no assistance was provided despite several requests raised by volunteers to take the woman in labour to the hospital.
As a term of reference, it is deemed relevant to highlight that according to a report dated March 11, 2016 (including a letter by Vitsa Dimitrios, Deputy Minister of Defense, in response to a letter by Nicholas Kalantzi, Mayor of the Municipality of Ziros),
·         Camps are open and supervised accommodation structures. This means that the guests/’s families have been identified in the islands, recorded at entry and enter or leave the center based on the identification document and proof of registration. No other refugee or Greek enters the center without the proper license can be issued by the head of the center or the appropriate municipality.
·         Guests refugees staying in rooms (prefabricated buildings or tents) and food is
·         There is a permanent health unit of the Ministry of Health
·         There are interpreters from the Department of Migration Policy
·         There is refugees information service specialist clerk for children
Sanitization and cleaning of provided toilets is unclear. Agreements to be undertaken by the municipality in agreement with the manager of the center.

2.2      Additional Camps in Northern Greece *not* indicated in the Refugee Camps Map

The following additional camps located in Northern Greece are not listed in the following subsections,
·         Thessaloniki port: 325 people according to report dated March 18, 2016.
·         Eleftheroupoli (NW Kavala): 210 people according to report dated March 18, 2016.
·         Nea Karvali (located fast east of city of Kavala): 731 people according to report dated March 18, 2016.
·         Kozani (SW Thessaloniki): 400 people according to report dated March 18, 2016.
·         Konitsa: 162 people according to report dated March 18, 2016.
·         Pieria: 190 people according to report dated March 18, 2016.
Additional information regarding the above camps, including their management, is currently not available.

2.3      Cherso

2.3.1       General

According to two different reports, No NGO presence. Only private volunteers.
A team of about 50 volunteers are currently trying to establish an efficient and methodical goods distribution system to for clothes and toiletries. Packages per tent are being prepared based on actual needs to both provide humane support and reduce waste.
The UNHCR came a few days ago, walked around and left. The relocation registration promised in Idomeni by the UNHCR consists in one abandoned small white booth, forgotten in a desolate corner of the camp, next to the military quarters’ tent. The empty booth signals the wider fact that there is simply no one to talk to, to speak about your options as a refugee there. And it is yet another hint that the relocation program, however much it is spoken about, is nowhere to be found. Cherso camp is in the middle of nowhere, secluded from any form of support, whether humanitarian or legal.
Additional information in the attached document, a travelogue dated March 16, 2016:

2.3.2       Number of People at the Camp

Data available on March 18, 2016.
3,852 people.

2.3.3       Food

Reported on March 13, 2016. “The food that has been distributed there for the past days was cold and out of date.
2,877 portions (breakfast-lunch-dinner) reported distributed on March 4, 2016.

2.3.4       Health

People do not know how to cope with infections and infected hands resulting from contact with infected materials and unsanitary environment. The risk of transmission of infectious diseases is high.
Many people ill with cold and flu.
According to DPA, The German Red Cross, in cooperation with the Red Cross of Finland, is on the move to come down to Idomeni with two complete field hospital units. They will include an operating room for surgery, special facilities for giving birth, a laboratory and a freezer room. The German Red Cross says the units will arrive near Idomeni on March 20, 2016 (information available on March 18 – no updates available) and will be operational in Nea Kavala and Cherso on March 22, 2016.

2.3.5       Water

No information available.

2.3.6       Sanitation

20 toilets and showers.
Insufficient for the number of people, some tents were converted into toilets.

2.3.7       Shelter

According to report dated March 4, 2016, the camp has 510 tents with capacity for 6-8 people and 3 rub halls.

2.3.8       Environment

1 solar panel.
The ground is reduced to mud due to the recent bad weather.
There is trash everywhere.

2.3.9       Photographs


2.4      Diavata

2.4.1       General

No general information available.

2.4.2       Number of People at the Camp

Data available on March 18, 2016.
2,211 people

2.4.3       Food

Two meals per day provided by the army.
2,200 portions (breakfast-lunch-dinner) reported distributed on March 4, 2016.

2.4.4       Health

No information available.

2.4.5       Water

Running water available. Exact number is currently not known.

2.4.6       Sanitation

Toilets and showers available. Exact number is currently not known.

2.4.7       Shelter

No information available.

2.4.8       Environment

No information available.

2.4.9       Photographs


2.5      Drosato/Drama

2.5.1       General

No general information available.

2.5.2       Number of People at the Camp

Data available on March 18, 2016.
479 people.

2.5.3       Food

Two meals per day provided by the army.

2.5.4       Health

No information available.

2.5.5       Water

No information available.

2.5.6       Sanitation

No information available.

2.5.7       Shelter

No information available.

2.5.8       Environment

No information available.

2.5.9       Photographs

No photographs available.

2.6      Giannitsa

2.6.1       General

Fire reported on February 28, 2016. Causes unknown.
No further general information available.

2.6.2       Number of People at the Camp

Data not available.

2.6.3       Food

Two meals per day provided by the army.

2.6.4       Health

No information available.

2.6.5       Water

No information available.

2.6.6       Sanitation

No information available.

2.6.7       Shelter

No information available.

2.6.8       Environment

No information available.

2.6.9       Photographs


2.7      Idomeni

2.7.1       General

The camp in Idomeni is located approximately 20km north of Nea Kavala. The state is absent from the camp, barring a few police officers surveying the final 100 metres leading to the «exit gate». Various incidents were reported and the safety of people is not guaranteed.
Police do not allow taxis to approach the camp, thereby putting more stress on the already exhausted people seeking the bare necessities outside of the camp.  Small fires for heating, burning wood, garbage, plastic.
UNHCR, doctors, those preparing food and more generally all those providing all kinds of aid, provide the only significant amount of aid (randomly distributed) to desperate, exhausted and ill people (many of whom are elderly and small children), living in adverse conditions.

2.7.2       Number of People at the Camp

Data available on March 18, 2016.
10,500 people.

2.7.3       Food

Reported insufficient. Part provided by volunteers.

2.7.4       Health

Cases of Hepatitis A and of diarrhea were recently detected. Hepatitis A, diarrhea and the more serious dysentery may be caused by crowding, lack of sanitation and clean water. MSF and MDM have teams in the camp. On March 18, 2016, the German Red Cross society declared that a mobile health station will be sent onsite to for support. The station will be equipped to serve 10,000 people.
According to DPA, The German Red Cross, in cooperation with the Red Cross of Finland, is on the move to come down to Idomeni with two complete field hospital units. They will include an operating room for surgery, special facilities for giving birth, a laboratory and a freezer room. The German Red Cross says the units will arrive near Idomeni on March 20, 2016 (information available on March 18 – no updates available) and will be operational in Nea Kavala and Cherso on March 22, 2016.
According to a report dated March 7, 2016, in the Greek daily To Vima, the spokeswoman for the MSF refugee mission, Vika Markolefa, warns against the danger of epidemics, “We are very concerned about the health situation. Since there are not enough toilets and showers, many people are forced to go in the fields. When it rains, faeces spreads everywhere. This is particularly tragic for children, who are always playing on the ground. We fear the outbreak of an epidemic that could spread through the water.”
Babies were delivered at the camp. Pregnant women and people with heart condition present at the camp.

2.7.5       Water

Reported insufficient running water taps.

2.7.6       Sanitation

Chemical toilets are present. Exact number, unknown, is reported to be insufficient for the people at the camp.

2.7.7       Shelter

No information available.

2.7.8       Environment

Few large tents with heating.
The greatest majority sleep in camping tents (no heating), makeshift shelters or have no shelter.

2.7.9       Photographs



2.8      Kentriko

2.8.1       General

No information available.

2.8.2       Number of People at the Camp

Data not available.

2.8.3       Food

Two meals per day provided by the army.

2.8.4       Health

No information available.

2.8.5       Water

No information available.

2.8.6       Sanitation

No information available.

2.8.7       Shelter

No information available.

2.8.8       Environment

No information available.

2.8.9       Photographs

No photographs available.

2.9      Nea Cavala/Nea Kavala

2.9.1       General

The refugee camp in Nea Kavala, accessible through the road bordering the village, and which is in close proximity to a supermarket, has been in operation since the end of February 2016. It is an open structure, without restrictions on exit. It is operated exclusively by the military, that is, there is no civilian staff from the Ministry of Interior/Migration, which creates an issue regarding whose jurisdiction the camp is under. The camp lies outside the Diavata- Idomeni axis (though very close to the latter), and very few organizations visit it, so that very few humanitarian aid materials are available. Aid not distributed following a system, as no civilian staff is available to carry out this work. Staff present (reported on March 5, 2016) consisted of 7 people in total, all military, and the lieutenant in charge of the camp (who performs his duties on a shift basis), and who appeared to be fully aware of his duties, responsibilities, as well as of objective restrictions, as there is no aid, infrastructure or sufficient staff available.

2.9.2       Number of People at the Camp

Data available on March 18, 2016.
3,504 people.

2.9.3       Food

Two meals per day provided by the army.
2,538 portions (breakfast-lunch-dinner) reported distributed on March 4, 2016.

2.9.4       Health

One doctor based permanently at the camp.
According to DPA, The German Red Cross, in cooperation with the Red Cross of Finland, is on the move to come down to Idomeni with two complete field hospital units. They will include an operating room for surgery, special facilities for giving birth, a laboratory and a freezer room. The German Red Cross says the units will arrive near Idomeni on March 20, 2016 (information available on March 18 – no updates available) and will be operational in Nea Kavala and Cherso on March 22, 2016.

2.9.5       Water

No information available.

2.9.6       Sanitation

50 portable toilets.

2.9.7       Shelter

According to report dated March 4, 2016, the camp has 557 tents with capacity for 6-8 people and 2 rub halls.

2.9.8       Environment

Large tents and camping tents. No heating.
Some electrical lighting in certain places, but not throughout the camp.

2.9.9       Photographs


2.10 Polykastro (EKO Gas Station)

2.10.1  General

The camp is located on the motorway, near Polykastro exit, at the EKO gas station and in the surrounding fields.

2.10.2  Number of People at the Camp

Data available on March 18, 2016.
1,250 people.

2.10.3  Food

Two meals per day provided by the army.

2.10.4  Health

No information available.

2.10.5  Water

No information available.

2.10.6  Sanitation

No information available.

2.10.7  Shelter

No information available.

2.10.8  Environment

No information available.

2.10.9  Photographs


3            Additional Camps

3.1      Attica - Elliniko, Athens

3.1.1       General

Set up in mid-December 2015 by the Greek government in the area of the former airport in the Athens suburb of Elliniko. Since the airport was shut down in 2001, the site has mainly been used for sports events such as the 2004 Summer Olympics and includes a hockey stadium and a baseball stadium.

3.1.2       Number of People at the Camp

Data available on March 18, 2016.
1.205 in Elleniko Baseball camp
1.433 in Elleniko Hockey camp
1.852 at the Elleniko Terminal

3.1.3       Health

There are no doctors.
Many people are reported sick.

3.1.4       Water

No water taps

3.1.5       Sanitation

No showers, no washrooms.
People bathe themselves and wash their clothes at the nearby beaches, in the sea water.
It is reported that there is no staff to clean the toilets and that the stench is unbearable.

3.1.6       Shelter

Ex-airport terminal, a hockey stadium, and 150-person tents set up by the army in a baseball stadium.

3.1.7       Environment

People sleep on the floor/on the ground.

3.1.8       Photographs

No photographs available.

3.2      Central Greece – Ritsona Army Base

3.2.1       General

Located in the area of an ex-army base.

3.2.2       Number of People at the Camp

Data available on March 18, 2016.
547 people.

3.2.3       Health

No information available.

3.2.4       Water

No running water.

3.2.5       Sanitation

No showers, no washrooms.
Chemical toilets.

3.2.6       Shelter

Tents.

3.2.7       Environment

No electricity.

3.2.8       Photographs

No photographs available.


In a context of urgent evacuation of the Greek islands, leading to thousands of refugees being redirected to the mainland, as well as in a context of a 3 week ban on reporters and tv crews to enter hotspots, we present an initial attempt t document the living conditions in several camps that have been set up around Greece.

We welcome fotographic material for inclusion in the report.

Pleiades Researcher who compiled the Report: Simona Bonardi

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